A Prayer to Be Considerate of Others
By Victoria Riollano
Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. – Philippians 4:5
When it comes to people, I have a hard time dealing with those who are inconsiderate.
I have to be honest. When it comes to my relationships, professional and personal, I expect people to be where they say they are going to be and do what they said they would do. In response, I try to do the same, almost to the detriment of my own mental health. My desire to not disappoint or leave someone else in need often gets the best of me. Perhaps, sometimes, my high expectations of others and myself is my greatest flaw.
Yet, I often wonder why Philippians 4:5 reads in the manner that it does, “Be considerate or gentle (depending on the translation) to all”. This phrase by itself requires much intention. Yet, the writer of the passage, the Apostle Paul, follows it with “Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” Out of all the things he could have written here, he chooses to remind us that the Lord is coming soon. How could our choice to be considerate be related to the Lord coming soon?
I believe this passage is a perfect example that our actions matter. How we treat people and interact with others is a cornerstone of our faith. If we are inconsiderate, uncaring, prideful, angry, it affects other people. So much so, that we may play a part in how they view the Lord. If we, as Christians, aren’t intentional about doing right by others what does this say about the God we claim to follow? Much like 2 Corinthians 5:20 states,
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
We are called to be ambassadors for Christ. In the world around us, being an ambassador is a very serious job. The one who serves as an ambassador for a country has a responsibility to represent their nation well by being professional, dependable and an example of all their country stands for. I believe the Apostle Paul wanted us to consider our role as an ambassador for Christ and the fact that our actions or inactions could affect our ability to represent Christ well.
If we are constantly causing other people more stress through our choice to be inconsiderate, we can expect they will be unlikely to seek us or want to know more about our God when hard times come. Yet, when we operate in kindness and consideration for other people, we will cause others to be drawn to the God we serve. Each time we choose to follow through, be on time, put another person’s need before our own, and show up for a person in need, we provide an opportunity to spread God’s love. This is an amazing opportunity that I pray each of us would never neglect. May we pause this week and ask how we can be more considerate and loving to those around us.
Let’s pray.
Lord, I thank you for your grace toward me. There are times when I am selfish and self-seeking, putting my own desires before others. God, I ask that you help me to be considerate and aware of the times that my choices affect other people. Lord, help my life to be a testimony to your goodness. Teach me how to interact with others in a way that would draw them back to you.
Bring your conviction when I am off course and need to change how I treat other. Help me to be a worthy ambassador. Use me to share the Gospel to others through my words and actions. I am believing for many to come to know you. Show me how my life can be a part of sharing your Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
